Avatar-The Mandate of Heaven

The sun slowly settled behind the mountains which stood tall and wide on the island. As it retired below the waters, the moon gradually took over, showing its beauty to the peaceful villages. Despite the alarming commotion earlier, the islanders can still find solace in the stalwart defenders, who fight with both spirit and resolve to defend their home. The warriors are still on alert as their people went back to their huts. Even though most of the intruders are killed by a lone Kyoshi Warrior, there is always a chance that danger might strike again. But with a dedicated band of guardians, the villagers would never doubt their safety.

Since danger has subsided, the warrior named Akahana retired to her own hut. But someone else must handle the aftermath of this unexpected incursion. The local village chief worked diligently to pacify the people's concerns. Additionally, he must also address the grievance of a Fire Nation merchant who lost his wooden vessel in the attack. Armed with a silver tongue, his adequate eloquence managed to persuade the merchant that it is better to destroy the vessel than allow it to fall into the hands of a lowly pirates. Subtly exploiting the unhealthy interpretation of honor, the trader accepted the sound argument. Lastly, the local chief must also be the one to formulate a solution to the captured pirates. Although Akahana promised a swift death upon surrender, she never said anything for those that didn't took this route.

Mayumi stirred the pot gently, allowing the chunks of salmon meat to be cooked. The fresh aroma of the sea never ceased to provide that warm comforting feeling of home. She would occasionally look up. The humble wooden hut they share is never big anyway. Just on the other side of the room is Satchiko, who sat quietly on the ground as a woman carefully examined the spot supposedly torched by fire. Except for a few strands of hair burned, nothing is damaged.

"Mum, I told you, I'm fine.'' Satchiko said in an attempt to ward off this overprotective woman.

It was no use, the older woman is too fixated, meticulously checking for any mark on the skin burned by fire. But there is no point in being too naggy. Reluctantly, Akahana let go. She then walked over to the cooking pot. The soup is almost ready. After a quick taste test, she believed that there is no more need for additional sea salt.

"Is this alright mother?" Mayumi asked. Sometimes, replicating a recipe to the smallest detail can be its own challenge.

"Perfect," Akahana replied simply. Using very little words, she conveyed approval for this salmon ohaw. Without the lacquered armor and elaborate face paint, this demeanor is not too different from an ordinary villager. Unlike that ferocious warrior who just decimated the pirates, most would mistook her current self as just an unremarkable housewife, a mistake that many will regret quickly.

Despite inhabiting a humble wooden hut, Akahana is the head of this village's defenders. Bearing a position of great prestige amongst their people, she is officially the local Okasan, a figure tasked with the regional defense and oversees the training of the village's Kyoshi Warriors. The others in the settlement would simply call her the matron, something that must be earned through what is presumably a series of rituals held by the previous holder.

But there is a greater honor that this woman also possesses. It is rumored that before both sisters are even born, there was a prestigious title used for the strongest Kyoshi Warrior of a generation. It is an old tradition. Satchiko would occasionally ask how her mother earned it, and the details would always be vague. The only information Akahana is willing to divulge is the tremendous obstacles that must be surmounted.

But what the teen can notice is how Akahana never smiled upon being reminded of those glorious achievements. It is implied that this woman is the strongest one here, yet the official title seems to have been erased from history, a taboo not allowed to be discussed.

"I see that you have not used the entirety of the fish," Akahana said, noticing the unused ingredient.

During preparation, Mayumi already used most of parts of the fish. But she left the salmon's head. With one forceful swing, the older woman's sharp knife fell on the neck. The grindstone is used to further pulverize this part of the fish, making it suitable as soup seasoning. It certainly enhanced the flavor, which made the younger sister drooled slightly.

"Daughter, this isn't your favorite food, no need to behave so voracious," Akahana said to Satchiko. Although the mother never demands 'high culture' amongst her children, it would definitely feel weird for a teenager to have manners of little children.

"It will still taste good," Satchiko said with delight. "Fish is still fish, all deserve to be eaten with respect!"

Since childhood, her insatiable crave for seafood has never been quenched. It doesn't matter what it is, any meat from the ocean is delicacy for this energetic youth.

Yet, there is always one meat that is superior to all that she has tasted so far. It can only be obtained from the beast that symbolizes their island, which is also culturally important.

With its recognizable size and beautiful fins, the meat of the famed Elephant-Koi is more than just a delectable food. To even eat a slice of its flesh requires tremendous effort, all thanks to the hardworking fishermen who serve as the backbone of the island's economy. It is claimed that to even catch one of such beasts might require the strength of twenty veteran fishermen. But there is something else that is also very important, which is culturally significant to her people.

Their family friend, Ebisu, emphasized the spiritual aspect of catching this creature. Before the process, all participating fishermen must conduct a sacred ritual.

The Kamuy, or spirits as most people would say, are beings that are beyond comprehension of most humans. Whether or not they exist, people would venerate them all across the world, and the same also applies here. Other places might have their own stories to describe the beginnings, but her people hold the traditional belief that the world rests on the back of a large fish. When it moves, it causes earthquakes.

As a people who centers their livelihood around fishing, it is inevitable that this way of life will be weaved into their collective conscience. Unlike the mainland, their island is unsuitable to farm large quantity of food. On the other hand, the sea represents opportunities for harvests that could not be found on land. It is volatile, unpredictable with its dangerous waves. But it is also generous, providing enough food to sustain the island.

But just as the village elders would say, humans must respect the sea, even if he might often be depicted as just a carefree man described by the local belief.

Before embarking on the journey to catch the Elephant-Koi during the right season, a ceremony must be conducted by the participants. A ritual would involve a village chief, making libations of rice wine and offering willow sticks with wooden shavings attached. It is a sacred tribute to the sea spirit.

Rep-un-Kamuy.

The fishermen would also join by saying prayers, signifying their respect to the spirits and the animals they are hunting. Make no mistake, the locals truly respect their prey. It is culturally unacceptable to treat fish with disdain. Only by demonstrating this piety towards their Kamuy can the ocean provide bountiful harvests for their people. To further show respect towards their gift-giver, the fishermen must also cut the Elephant-Koi in a proper manner. Donned in ritual cloths, only sacred swords are allowed to dissect the creature's meat. With all these meticulous steps completed, only then can the pristine ingredient be used. Fishermen would also sail to grand cities in faraway lands, selling this precious item. To this day, the Elephant-Koi remains an integral part of their society.

With all this context in mind, it is understandable why Ebisu would act very confrontational in certain occasions. His passion for the local tradition is commendable, and willing hate anything or anyone that might threaten it. If one person does not demonstrate deep reverence for the nature, then this burly man might just settle the problem with a good fistfight.

"I-is it done?" Satchiko grew impatient. Her mother prepared four bowls of the soup that would be their dinner. There are also four additional bowls of rice, a good compliment with the salmon met.

"Finally!" The youngster exclaimed as the soup is placed in front of her. Their family uses a small table which accommodates the absence of chairs. It is normal for people here to just sit on the ground and enjoy food. Right before she completely devours the dinner, Satchiko refrained, hand freezing while almost touching the chopsticks.

"What's wrong?" Mayumi noticed this hesitation.

Satchiko stared at the bowl of rice and soup on her right. She remembered that someone isn't home yet. Until he is, it wouldn't feel right to start eating.

"It would have been a busy evening," Akahana said as she already started. "The people's concerns must be handled, and those insolent prisoners must also be allocated to the appropriate location. Someone must be there to oversee it all." She also prepared a teapot, boiling some oolong leaves.

"Just eat sister, he will probably not be too late."

Despite both her older sister and mother's advice, Satchiko still cannot bring herself to eat.

Sounds of footsteps near their porch made her head turn. Thankfully, the person she is waiting for has returned home.

The man is a tall and somewhat slim figure. With a pair of glasses stuck to the face, he always emits an aura of unremarkable appearance, definitely not a tough person. He sighed, tired from all the effort to calm the locals.

"That trader was a difficult one to deal with," he said with another sigh. "It's good that I managed to talk him out of building another vessel here. It's lucky we have an empty storeroom for them to live temporarily."

He sat on the ground, picking up a pair of chopsticks and began to eat.

"And the prisoners?" Akahana asked while drinking the soup.

"About that," he is perplexed by the woman's earlier suggestion. "Hana, when you said that execution would be in order for the captured criminals, were you serious or was that just a threat?"

The woman with long brown hair stared at him, it is actually not easy to maintain eye contact with the matron without feeling fear.

"Did I stutter?" Akahana's volume raised slightly. "Hakaru, I am not a scholar like you, which is why everything I say will be direct and honest. No gentry eloquence shall distort my intention."

Despite not having an official legal code like the mainland Earth Kingdom settlements, a backwater village like this one would still have procedures to deal with unruly criminals. For those who committed unspeakable deeds, execution would be the universal answer. Although Kyoshi Island does not use the formal magistrate system, the role of executioners is obviously still performed. In most cases, a village's matron would be the one to perform the act. Here, it would be Akahana.

"Dear, surely you are not going to defend those lowly intruders?" Akahana always addressed her family members with the word Dear. The man named Hakaru spent many years to earn this honorific. In return, he would be granted the permission to address this ferocious warrior with an informal nickname, without being killed.

"No Hana, the act of piracy is punishable by the standards of all penal codes," Hakaru said, demonstrating considerable knowledge on standard laws, which isn't exactly needed in a remote place like this one. The man's competency of legal matters would have earned him more wealth by working in other settlements around the world, such as an Earth Kingdom courthouse.

"Good, my dear Earth Sage, so what is the problem?"

Before Akahana grew dissatisfied with the explanation, Hakaru showed her a letter from the mainland. The matron read it intensely.

"The Chin village are planning massive construction projects," he said. "Recent regional wars have made their magistrate grew concerned about their borders. Which is why many walls will be constructed."

Satchiko sat quietly while listening to the discussion. News from the outside world rarely ever penetrates here. She doesn't care much about it anyway.

"They are in need of labor and are willing to accept donations of any criminals to construct the walls." Hakaru reasoned with Akahana, stating that this gesture can be used to further improve ties. Of course, certain interaction with outside forces must also be discussed with other village leaders.

"And what would happen to those pirates when the construction is completed?" Akahana is fixated on this detail.

Once again, Hakaru utilized his more competent knowledge towards Earth Kingdom penal code. Although the letter did not specify, he is absolutely confident that the harsh penal code of Chin village would just execute the cutthroats after constructing the walls. The possibility of using the infamous 'wheel of punishment' is also very likely.

"Good, in that case I would accept the arrangement," Akahana returned the letter back to him. "I will leave it to you, my good Earth Sage."

As Hakaru scrolled the letter and put it in a bag, he noticed Satchiko who still have not begun eating.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

"Welcome home dad," she finally began eating through the meal.

Hakaru smiled before he too starts with the portion. As usual, he would complement the food, an arbitrary thing to do every single time. Although it is just simple rice and soup, there is always more to eating food made of ordinary ingredients. More specifically, it is the people around you that makes the taste even better than it should.

Just like any family, they would socialize at this time of the day. Although completely confident in Akahana's ferocity during today's pirate incursion, Hakaru cannot help but make sure his children are all safe. Only after pacifying his concerns can more mundane topics be discussed.

"The upcoming season for the Elephant-Koi hunt would soon commence," Hakaru said with a small hint of worry. "To be honest, I am not sure if I am fully prepared to conduct the ceremony."

The ritual to appease the ocean Kamuy is a very important one. At a particular time of the year, every chief around the island would hold the tradition, leading the fishermen in their veneration of nature. This comes naturally for any elderly chief born and raised on the island. But in this village, there is a slight exception.

Hakaru is not born locally. He is an outsider, hailing from the Earth Kingdom mainland. Since the island does not follow a formal system of governance, selecting leaders is also not very strict. As small villages, a general gerontocracy is loosely enforced, since the positions are not hereditary. But the role of chief doesn't hold too much actual power anyway, so many in the village can have their own say.

"My old man picked you as a successor candidate for a reason," Akahana stated while eating some rice, pointing the chopsticks at him. "You did it every year dear. As a scholar, don't you think it's already a bit too late to be worried about it?"

Despite settling here for a considerable amount of time, Hakaru would never truly be as knowledgeable to the local culture when comparing to the other elderly chiefs. He is the youngest one and isn't a native born. But that doesn't mean he isn't trying. As an adequate Earth Kingdom scholar with average ability, his skill as one of the literati did help to bridge some cultural gap. But it is still not enough. Luckily, the ever-dependable Ebisu is more than happy to help an outsider who is willing to learn the local customs. The fisherman taught Hakaru is basic steps of the ritual, which is a bit different from the mainland styles. But regardless of how many times they practiced, the confidence is just never there for him to utilize.

"Don't worry dad, you will do ok," Satchiko reassured. Hakaru thanked this encouragement. Although this man is not actually an Earth Sage, even the real ones might still have a difficult time understanding the local customs. The animism practices of this place do differ slightly from the mainland's use of elaborate temples and shrines to worship a pantheon of deities. All people worship Avatars and spirits, but their methods may sometimes contradict each other. Her father's origin also involves the practice of ancestor worship, a concept that Satchiko has a very hard time of even grasping.

As they are talking, Mayumi chimed in, seeking an update on a personal matter which just so happens to also involve local customs. It is an issue that everyone in this world must deal with at some point in their life.

The matter of marriage, or in Mayumi's case, the matter of avoiding bad ones. Well, it is very not the first time this problem has to be resolved. As a person with a somewhat attractive appearance, it is unavoidable that certain idiots would want to be a suitor.

Thank the heavens that her parents are not gullible fools who would give away their daughter just like that. But the local culture also played a role. Young children born on this island do occasionally get betrothed to each other, and arranged marriages is not out of the norm. But unlike noble houses and aristocrats elsewhere, the simple village life here allows for these children to have their own say, and even acceptance for women to cancel the whole ordeal.

In courtesy to the ever venerable, Avatar Kyoshi.

"That bastard son of that travelling merchant is rather irritating," Mayumi said in a darkened tone, drinking the soup slowly to bury rising anger. "Pestering me while I am on duty and disrupting the dojo lessons, it would be most auspicious to hear an end to his antics." It is never wise to aggravate a warrior skillful with a blade, a notion apparently lost on the gullible man in question.

Anyone would be disgusted with such persistent behavior. Even worse, Mayumi doesn't even know who he is. Perhaps it was blind obsession, or maybe an attempt to usurp the village's ownership in her parent's more cynical perspective. Nevertheless, Satchiko's proposal of just punching that annoying suitor isn't the best option either. Although the last option would be very entertaining.

"His possible motivations are obviously trying to gain special trade privileges," Hakaru theorized. "Our island only sell a limited amount of Elephant-Koi meat each year. Only the wealthiest nobles are reserved to buy it. Clearly he thinks that forging special ties in this manner might get him benefits."

Such false assumptions are common for those who do not live here. Leading positions in the villages are not hereditary. While it's possible for children to succeed their parents, their simple island certainly does not observe the same distribution of power as other grander cities. Perhaps the deluded suitor also wrongly deduced that he or his children would be able to inherit the role of local chief.

"We can call Ebisu, let him explain that only the local fishing community can dictate the sale of Elephant-Koi meat, not the chief." Akahana's suggestion also implies that the burly man's mere intimidating height alone can serve as an effective persuasion tactic.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get him!" Satchiko urged. Her youthful energy demands immediate action to enact justice.

"Harming him is easy, but doing so without sowing concern amongst the other traders might be a harder than it looks," Akahana said. As seen during today's incursion, the matron is more than willing to use violence to solve certain problems. Although it would be very satisfying to punch that irritating fellow that has the audacity pester her own daughter, it must be done not at the expense of local trade.

But there are still much better methods to get rid of annoying suitors without using violence at first. The parents can simply refuse the exorbitant number of gifts. With the help of some additional eloquence, they can just convince them on the futility of the matter. There is zero intention for both Akahana and Hakaru to arrange a marriage, and it is unacceptable to accept any suitors which Mayumi doesn't even love. It is also a convenient cover for both dotty parents to get rid of people with questionable qualities.

"We allow you to decide your own future," Akahana emphasized. "The only bottom line I demand is to never be accept a boastful boor who thinks of no one but themself."

"Easy," Mayumi replied. "No self-respecting people would make that mistake."

Akahana riposted with an even more serious tone, cautioning her daughter's assumptions. "You would be surprised by the number of people in this world that do not respect themselves."

They ate quietly more for a while. Satchiko stuffed her mouth without restraint, devouring her meal lacking table manners even in the standards of a remote village. What's the point of etiquette when enjoying the taste is much more important? Such a simple yet beautiful philosophy!

Akahana would occasionally glance at this voracious behavior, sometimes smiling, and sometimes just looking back at her own bowl of rice. Eventually, the woman would initiate a slightly thorny subject. It is not exactly a conventional problem, but more like a discussion about the future.

"Daughter," she specifically called Satchiko. Somehow the two sisters developed a way to figure out who their mother is addressing. "What would you want to do in the future?"

"Defend the village, obviously," Satchiko replied while still chewing on a chunk of salmon.

For years, she touted the dream of officially becoming a Kyoshi Warrior, earning her own golden headdress with their family's crest. Although her current skills already surpassed that of a competent fighter, the simple headband is still a reminder that she is just a mere trainee.

Becoming a guardian of the people is a fair and noble goal, a honorable piety that their venerable founder would absolutely bless. But unlike a professional soldier serving in the conflict between the divided Earth Kingdom states, the role of defender on this island is not a paid one. A Kyoshi Warrior is a duty, a form of sacrifice. It is an admirable path for anyone who wish to protect their families, and Akahana is proud that both children is worthy of continuing this great tradition.

But even the greatest warriors of the world are humans at the end of the day. When people overcame the initial infatuation with a romanticized view of heroism, the more mundane aspects of life will take over. For there are more to life than just conflict. Fighting all the time means no time for eating, a notion not too hard to understand. Kyoshi Warriors are not paid soldiers, they are elite volunteers fiercely motivated to protect the people, especially defending the weak. Which is why these pious devotees to Avatar Kyoshi must also face ordinary problems akin to the everyday people they safeguard.

"Your sister also haven't figure out what to do yet. Perhaps she can take over my florist business." Akahana suggested.

"You are not exactly that good at it yourself, mum," Satchiko went straight to the point.

Both Mayumi and Hakaru grimaced at that bold statement, the former even a made a 'cutting throat' gesture to warn about the danger of angering Akahana. But the mother didn't mind, she even smiled. The profession of flower arranging is passed down from the family. Since the matron's duty also serve as caretaker for local shrines and the island's temple, she can perform both roles simultaneously as offerings to the deity. But their home garden has been somewhat neglected, lacking its original grandeur when the previous family member is in charge.

"Obviously I would prefer being a warrior in a garden rather than a gardener in a war," Akahana said to her youngest daughter. "But we are more than just expendable foot soldiers. What is the point of protecting something if we don't know how to enjoy it?"

Satchiko pondered. The dream of serving as a full time defender of her home is still obtainable. Just like Mayumi, she might even get the opportunity to train the younger generation. But she never considered anything outside that scope of vision.

"Perhaps I can be a fisherwoman?" She smiled in a childlike manner.

Although that might just be an impulsive thought devised without much thinking, it is not an unreasonable proposal, especially since the fishing community of this island is treated with respect. The hardworking fishmongers are the ones that keep this island fed and well off. It is also beneficial that their people never have a culture of elevating the scholarly gentry at a higher status than common peasants, an egalitarian thinking that their Avatar have thankfully cultivated in the past.

There is no shame in being a simple fisher here. If Satchiko worked hard, she might even be eligible to partake in the hunt for Elephant-Koi.

"Are you truly content with just being a simple fisher?" Akahana asked.

This is hinting at the fact that her youngest child is naturally born as an Earthbender. It was a surprise. Since Akahana discovered this when the child gently levitated a pebble near the local shrine, a revelation that the matron is a bit unsure how to proceed. Despite accomplishing mastery over many martial arts practiced by generations of past Kyoshi Warriors, Akahana can never teach Satchiko even the most basic Earthbending. It is also exacerbated by the lack of known Earthbenders living on the village. But in this day and age, good teachers are also hard to come by with all the conflicts elsewhere. It also meant this girl has neglected this natural gift for more than seventeen years.

"Mum, you don't need to feel guilty about me not learning Earthbending," Satchiko attempted to reassure Akahana. "I did just fine with my weapons. If all my fellow sisters are not complaining about being non-benders, why should I worry about not learning bending properly? Mayumi's sword alone can cut through anything. Kazuki didn't care about not being an Earthbender. The same goes with Koko, and the other Koko… and the rest of them with the same name."

"Daughter, your solidarity with your friends is commendable, but your circumstances are different," Akahana stated in concern. "Not everyone in this world is lucky enough to be given an inherent ability. I am proud that you are diligent in the martial arts, but why should you remain content with untapped potential?"

Once again, the youthful Satchiko brushed off her mother's advice. As a energetic warrior, she galvanized her initial battle with the pirate leader earlier today, using that exploit to diminish the dangers of that Firebender.

Hakaru chimed in, cautioning this confident attitude. As someone who claimed his own fair share of adventure, he has seen things that is not suitable for this conversation.

"Do not be too proud of fine armor and elegant blades. Forgive my rudeness, but the strength of a non-bender is insignificant next to the full power of the elements." Hakaru, despite his often meek demeanor, did not hold back on this opinion. Many will disagree will rightfully disagree with him. "The difference is simply too vast. Kyoshi's bending saved this place by fending off an army that is innumerous. Even the most uncultured would accept the historical truth that the very land we now stand on is only possible through the powers of bending." He stopped talking for a moment, silently observing the pot of soup in the middle of the room. After a short period of thinking, he resumed. "As a non-bender, I witnessed that raw power combined, especially on that particular day. While it is imperative to master the fans and blades, there is no harm in acquiring more knowledge."

"I guess so," Satchiko somewhat agreed. It seems that her father has used the skills of persuasion to great effect.

But deep down, she is adamant about further learning Earthbending. Already a great fighter, all she ever wanted is to be a Kyoshi Warrior, guarding this island, never even dreamed about leaving this place. Yet, Akahana always demands a certain expectation to be fulfilled.

As they eat a bit more, Hakaru spoke with Akahana about certain news from the outside world. A great city, one of the largest in this world, is experiencing new developments. Mayumi appears disinterested, but her ears are toned in for every word. Satchiko did the exact opposite.

The place both parents are discussing is the historical capital of the Earth Kingdom, the grand city known as Ba Sing Se. Being raised on a backwater island, Satchiko has limited knowledge on the world beyond the ocean, so she has zero idea on what that city even looks like. It is probably vaguely similar to the walled towns on the mainland, which Mayumi claimed to be how people live on the continent. But Satchiko is aware of the tremendous distance between the capital and her humble little village.

"The monk named Xuan Zang has completed his pilgrimage to all four temples, bringing back scriptures and small statues of past avatars. The university tasked him with the translation of lost Air Nomad sutras that was thought to be lost in fire." Hakaru took a drink of his cup of oolong tea before continuing. "Recently, he is head of a program that invites young people from all around the Earth Kingdom to study at their learning institution, even small villages are occasionally selected."

"I see," Akahana said, perhaps sensing a potential opportunity. "Let us skip the formalities. If he does intend to extend an invitation to here, how will we convince that the other villages that Mayumi is the best candidate to study there?"

The matron can demonstrate a somewhat ambition attitude from time to time. Before Hakaru can dissect one detail he forgot to mention, Mayumi prematurely expressed her gratitude.

"Mother, father, I would be honored to study at Ba Sing Se if given the chance, I promise to never squander this one in a lifetime opportunity."

The two parents nodded, acknowledging her dedication.

On the other hand, Satchiko smirked a bit, fully aware that her big sister must be having a hard time containing the excitement of seeing more of this world. Under that normally reserved shell is a person who strives for a chance to travel across distant lands. It is perhaps the biggest dream for Mayumi. As a confidant, it is compulsory to know about this!

"Your enthusiasm towards learning is reassuring," Hakaru said to Mayumi. "Unfortunately, there is one quirk Xuan Zang is looking for. All students invited to study at Ba Sing Se are Earthbenders."

Both sisters grimaced.

"I see," Mayumi flawlessly masked her disappointment.

Apparently, one of the key lessons prepared for the exchange students involve Earthbending, which is culturally important to the Earth Kingdom for very obvious reasons. Aside from literacy, art and poetry, bending is also incorporated.

"This isn't fair," Satchiko expressed with displeasure. "Surely Mayumi can do very well on everything except being an Earthbender."

"You flattered me sister," Mayumi said.

In hindsight, the older sibling has always been the more academically gifted one. Which is why the prerequisite of being born an Earthbender seems to be a strange choice.

"No need to worry about this for now," Hakaru said. "If Master Xuan Zang does intend to send letters to this region, only then can we entertain the question of sending who."

Obviously if Ba Sing Se university is only accepting Earthbenders, there is only once choice available on this island. It is not exactly a conundrum, but luckily, they don't have to worry about this potential dilemma for now.

The night ended uneventfully as usual. It is a quiet place despite the disruption of pirates earlier today. Satchiko lied down on the mattress, yawning. Both she and Mayumi has a separate room in the hut used to store their own belongings such as weapons and armor. They divided this place between two, fully utilizing the limited space. While her own side has a bamboo shelf to store the two metal fans, it is noticeable that Mayumi owns a bit more scrolls and books, a testament to her sister's love for literacy alongside the dedicated swordsmanship.

Satchiko yawned again, tired after today's commotion. It didn't take long for her to start snoring loudly, as Mayumi is once again surprised by the impressive speed of falling asleep.

"Sleep well sister," Mayumi smiled. Although it is still debatable if she herself can rest peacefully now that Satchiko is snoring clamorously. The younger sister also hugs a small doll that resembles Avatar Kyoshi, a gift woven by their mother. She sighed, wondering what dreams Satchiko will have in slumber.

End of Chapter Notes:

-The rituals described in this chapter is inspired from real life Ainu traditions.

-Xuan Zang is the name of a famous monk who travelled to India to bring back Buddhist scriptures. His story inspired the famous novel Journey to the West.